All the fun of the fair at Fern and James’s traditional wedding

Fern and James wanted to keep their big day classic, while also putting a fun twist on their traditional wedding.

The ceremony, on June 17, 2017, was held at Sherborne Abbey, in the bride’s hometown in Dorset.

The couple and their 150 guests then continued the celebrations at Brympton House, which Fern, 28, describes as a venue at “oozes class” with a gentle English charm.

“To reflect this, the wedding day was kept very traditional and classic.  There was a string quartet and garden games during the drinks reception and a three-course meal ( catered by Dine with Style) in the Ballroom.

Fern and James, also 28, had a surprise in store for their guests, however, with an evening funfair, including stalls and a carousel, and fire dancers.

“There was also fire pits, crepes and ice cream outside and a photobooth and disco to enjoy
inside. Guests were provided funfair tickets to get free drinks in the evening reception,” Fern says.

“Overall, it was a completely fantastic day! The weather was lovely, guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we could not have had a more amazing day.”

Photos courtesy of Martin Dabek Photography.

“I returned the favour in asking everyone I had been bridesmaid for to be mine and so had eight bridesmaids beside me on the wedding day, along with my five nieces who were flower girls,” Fern says.

Fern wore a fit and flare satin gown from Caroline Castigliano with an extremely long additional silk train, diamond belt, cathedral-length veil and heels from Pink Paradox.

“We planned our wedding to reflect us; traditional and classic with a fun twist,” Fern says. “Everything came together on the day to deliver exactly what we wanted for us, our families and our guests.”

“The bridal party wore lavender dresses and the groomsmen were in traditional tails with lavender cravats,” the bride says.

The couple met in their first year at Cardiff University. After eight years together, they travelled to Vietnam where James popped the question during a private dinner on the beach.

Fern advises future brides to talk to other people when planning their big day. “Often brides want to keep everything a complete surprise, however, when chatting to other people you will get recommendations of suppliers/ideas,” she says.

The couple  had a five-tier ivory wedding cake made by Cakes By Samantha. “The monogram used throughout the stationary, was also iced in white on the second tier,” Fern says.